The Verizon pickup is a game-changer for Windows Phone, if nothing else because it brings in over 100 million potential customers. To date Verizon has been a virtual non-factor in Windows Phone sales, carrying only one model -- the Trophy (nearly identical to the HD7) by HTC Corp. (TPE:2498). Carrying weak hardware at the time of its 2011 launch and overpriced at $149 USD w/ contract, about the only thing the Trophy had going for it was the Windows Phone user interface, which generally receives the most enthusiastic reviews from device owners of any of the mobile operating systems.

Modern Windows Phone handsets have fared remarkably better than first generation models. Thanks to better integration, more apps, and better hardware, the Lumia 900 by Nokia has become a mild hit on AT&T's network, moving a few million units, according toSeeking Alpha analyst Kyle Spencer.

And what's good for the goose is good for the gander -- Verizon Wireless's support of units like the Droid was a key driver of Android's early growth.

A leak to Engadgetshowed that gray and white Nokia Lumia 820 variants (the "Lumia 822") are headed to Verizon this fall.

II. Factors Stack up in Microsoft's Favor

A key driver of Windows Phone pickup has been patent litigation. Patents have played a pivotal role in power struggles of the U.S. tech industry since its earliest days. AT&T Inc.'s (T) precursor Bell Telegraph and Telephone initially used patents in the 1800s to build its phone and telegraph line monopoly.

That's not to say Android won't hang in there, but the fallout of Samsung's massive billion-dollar court loss to Apple is clearly convincing third-party mobile device makers to consider Windows Phone as a hedge to their Android bets. Likewise, carriers like Verizon are eyeing Windows Phone devices as a hedge to their handset selection -- after all if some of your top selling Androids get banned, you want to have something to offer the customer other than just an iPhone.

Windows Phonemakers have far less to fear thanks to Microsoft's powerful cross-licensing pact with Apple, which dates back to the 90s when it bailed out the struggling electronics veteran. The pact has thus far completely shielded Microsoft's OEM partners from Apple's legal belligerence.

While the person to which you replied clearly elaborated in detail about his perceived shortcomings of the Windows Phone, your reply was crafted with such clarity and eloquence that it successfully converted me and I now see things your way.

"Paying an extra $500 for a computer in this environment -- same piece of hardware -- paying $500 more to get a logo on it? I think that's a more challenging proposition for the average person than it used to be." -- Steve Ballmer